Adam

WHAT IS IT ABOUT BLACK CATS? I was rescued awhile ago from the streets of Mountain View, but no one has been interested in adopting me probably because they think I'm just another ordinary black cat. Life is tough if you're a black cat: at shelters, we're the last to get adopted, and the first to be put to sleep. But my mom and dad, who've been rescuing cats for almost 20 years, believe black cats are especially beautiful and REALLY smart. In England, black cats are considered lucky and white cats unlucky; the opposite is true in the U.S. -- go figure!

As for me, I follow my mom around (actually I'll follow anyone around) and lean against her when she scoops my box. I also like to place my paw on her hand while she scoops, in case she forgets I'm there! As a matter of fact, I'm always by her side. I'm the first to play with a toy, the first to sit in an available lap, and the first to eat at the food bowl. My mom thinks I'm the best cat ever. Won't you give me a chance -- I don't care what color you are!

Ariel

Gee, I'm really grateful to be indoors.  I was living under a mobile home in Sunnyvale, where I had given birth to a litter of beautiful babies.  The residents of the mobile home park were very unhappy with my presence (I kept trying to tell them one of the residents had abandoned me but those humans just didn't understand) and wanted to trap and take me and my babies to the shelter, where we would have been killed.  But someone called the Fat Cat people, and they came and got us.  The nice people at 13th Street Cat Rescue found homes for my babies.  I'm very sweet and affectionate, and don't take any nonsense (i.e. roughhousing) from the other cats I'm rooming with.

Baby

Attention animal lovers! My name is Baby. I'm from a little back yard in Los Altos, CA. I'm not gonna lie, it was a pretty uncomfortable living situation, so now I am looking for a loving home!

Here's a little bit about me. I like toes… a lot! If you have them, I will lick them. I don't discriminate. In fact, I love everyone and everyone's toes. I also love string, sticks, fake mice, bags, boxes, and any other object that will keep me entertained.

I have three siblings: Beau, Bob and Boo (now called Delilah). I am definitely the instigator of the bunch. If there is trouble, I caused it. If there is roughhousing, I started it. What can I say? I love to play, and I have a way of inspiring those around me to do the same. Will you play with me?

Blanquita

I came from the streets of East Palo Alto.  A real nice lady at the Habitat for Humanity site fed me and called the Fat Cat people, and they took me in.  I'm very sweet and gentle and nice.  And I'm in love. I'm in love with Thor.  When he first told me his story I felt sorry for him.  He'd had such a hard life!  But then I got to know him and fell in love with him; he is a sweetheart, and treats me real good.  So now we are together, and are looking for a home together.  Won't you give us a chance?

Brett

My brother Jeff and I were born underneath a bookstore in Los Altos, CA. Our sister, Sarah, didn't take to people at all, so she and our mom are still living at the bookstore where the kind owner looks after us.

I was shy for a long time, letting Jeff get all of the attention. Not anymore! I will talk with you (actually it's kinda like singing) or just enjoy you petting me. I've decided that I like people after all!

Jeff and I are living with some other foster kittens and we all get along, which is really nice. Who wants to have to deal with hissy cats anyway. Not me!

Brownie

I had a rough start.  I was living in the hills in Portola Valley, and my owners moved away and left me behind. A kind neighbor started feeding me, but couldn't take me in.  One day I injured my leg, and the neighbor didn't know what to do, and so they called Fat Cat Rescue.  They got me to a special surgeon, who decided my leg couldn't be saved. And so I lost my leg.

Don't feel sorry for me. I've got it good -- 2 square meals a day, and plenty of feline friends.  I really like kittens, and like to take care of them: I clean them and let them curl up with me.  But what I really want is my own human to love.  Won't you take me home?

Casper

A few years ago I wandered into the garden of an elderly lady who fell in love with me! She named me "Casper" after the friendly ghost, even though I'm a girl! I played hard to get, but her friends finally nabbed me and had me "fixed", although I don't remember being broken in any way. Gradually I grew more confident and came into her house. I liked to sit by her computer while she worked and sleep in her bedroom at night.

Sadly my adopted mom passed away recently. I was stuck outside for a little while because I was too afraid to go back into the house when she wasn't there, but her friends were kind to me. They fed me and eventually took me to stay with some other cats for a while. I'm not sure I really like being in close quarters with other cats, but I'm keeping my chin up.

You might not think I'm a Calico because I'm mostly white, but look closely at my "patches"!

Clover

Let me tell you all about me! Let's face it, I'm gorgeous, and don't mind telling you so. I'm very chatty, and adore men, even though my human mom has taken exclusive care of me since I arrived at her house. My past, which I don't really like to discuss, was rough: I was raised by a hoarder, and had 20 or so kittens (awful that I can't remember my own children!) by the time I was 2 years old. Eventually the hoarder could no longer care for all of us, and all my kittens were adopted, but no one wanted me, so the folks at Fat Cat took me in.

When I first arrived I felt I had to compete for food and attention, for that's how my life had been. But the Fat Cat people loved me and reassured me, and I am now very loving and sweet. I don't care for other cats, and kittens, well I've had enough of them! I love to stretch out on the couch and nap and receive visitors, and would make a great cat.

Connor

I was adopted as a handsome young kitten and we were all happy. Eighteen months ago my folks had a baby. Things were great until the baby began to crawl and then walk. He would chase me around, try to wrestle with me or hit me with his toys. I'm proud to say I never once raised a paw or uttered a hiss in protest; I just found a safe spot to hide until he calmed down. However, you can imagine that life got to be pretty miserable. I had to spend a lot of time on my own in the garage for my own safety. Eventually my folks realized that the situation was making me really unhappy and that I should have a chance at a peaceful life with another loving family. They were very sad to see me leave, but they were just not able to find a way to protect me from their toddler.

I'm back in my original foster home and I'm moving on. I'm a bit shy initially, but really I'm just a big cuddly lug with a ready purr to offer when we've got to know each other a little. I've even discovered that I enjoy sitting in  my foster dad's lap. Who'd a thunk it?

Finian

My sister Faith and I we're a team.  We both have that funny smoke coloring.  But she is all salt-and-pepper, and I well, only half of me (the bottom half) is salt-and-pepper. My top half is all black.  I don't know which color is going to win out, and what my final color will be, but it's kinda fun changing color!  The other kittens are jealous.

I too like people, and always come over for pets and hugs. I'm gentle, and am very careful when I play with Faith cuzz she is little.  I can't wait to have a home of my own.  Adopt me now and watch me grow and change color!

Fuzzy Wuzzy

I don't know what it is about my foster dad's litter-box scooping technique, but a number of my fellow foster cats like to jostle for position to supervise the work, including me! I especially like putting my paws on dad's thigh to get him to pet me with one hand while he's trying to scoop with the other hand!

I've had the mothering experience with my boy, Pi. He's in his forever home now so I think I did a good job with him. Now I'm ready to mother a big person all of my own. I like a good conversation with that special person. I'm a good listener, but when you need a word or two of encouragement, I know just the right meows to say! C'mon, sit down and let's talk!

George

My sister Patience and I are Stanford University alums. Well, at least we were born on the Stanford campus! Our mom had a bit of a reputation as a party girl who had quite a few litters of kittens before she was finally nabbed and fixed! I like to party a bit too. I especially like hanging out with people and other cats. Sometimes other boys get a bit jealous because I'm so handsome (and modest). I like keep you company while you do your chores and can offer a bit of commentary or just general chit chat, if you prefer, while you work. C'mon, let's chill together.

Hazel

I had a rough start. I was found all alone, covered in lice, sitting on the sidewalk in front of an apartment complex in Hayward, crying my eyes out. My mom and siblings had been trapped and taken to the pound the day before, and I didn't know what to do. A really nice person who was moving out of the complex spotted me and called the people at Fat Cat, who whisked me away and took care of me.

I've always been sweet and nice; I'm really no trouble at all. But be forewarned: I'm smart. Really smart. I figure things out. Don't think you can hide that cat toy atop the bookcase, or a canned food tin in the wastebasket under the sink: I'll find it. Finished with that crinkly candy wrapper? Great -- I'll snatch it off the end table, bat it around the floor. When I'm finished, I'll hide it until next time.

I like to sleep on mom or dad, and I like all the other cats. I'm really good at making biscuits (kneading), and move my paws back and forth so quickly, my mom says I make instant biscuits! 

Jeannette

My dad has a new joke 'cause of me: When's an adoption fair, not an adoption fair? When you take 10 cats to show and come home with 11! The extra cat was me. Some people brought me to the Mountain View PETCO when the Fat Cat people were holding an adoption fair. They said they found me on a street nearby, but I am so friendly that the Fat Cat people raised an eyebrow or two at the idea that I wasn't somebody's companion.

Either way, here I am and I'm ready for my permanent home! How 'bout lettin' me come purr in your lap?

Jeff

My brother Brett and I were born underneath a bookstore in Los Altos, CA. Our sister, Sarah, decided early on that she didn't want anything to do with people so she and our mom are still living at the bookstore. I, on the other hand, absolutely adore people. My foster mom says that I am the sweetest cat she has ever met, but even though she's met a lot of us, I think she actually means it!

If you sit down I'll come and put my paws (not claws!) on your thigh and just rest there to be with you. If you pet, me I'll be soooo happy! I don't talk much, but you'll see how much I appreciate your attention.

I'm living with a few other foster kittens right now and I get along with everybody. I'm definitely a lover. Come and meet me so we can both fall in love!

Lulu

My kittens and I were tossed out of a moving car in San Jose.  A bystander saw what happened and took us to the shelter, but was unable to get the license plate number of the monster who  did that to us! Anyway, I'd been at the shelter for a long time and was scheduled to be put to sleep, when one of the staff who really liked me asked the Fat Cat people to find me a forever home, so that's how I came to be here!

I'm really sweet and love people.  I don't have any bad habits!

Mama Lee

A couple years ago I had 5 beautiful babies in some bushes in a backyard in San Jose. My owners had moved, and I was left to fend for myself. The couple who found us only wanted my kittens -- not me! -- so the Fat Cat people took me in. At first it was a shock not to have my kittens; I missed them terribly.

But I found my calling.

I soon realized there was no point in moping around; there was work to be done. Other kittens needed my love and attention, and I quickly took on the task of looking after every kitten and adult cat. I clean everyone (even the adult cats) and nurse every kitten. I supervise their play, and tell them not to play rough with Scrappy or Faith. It's quite a job, and takes all my time. When I finally do get my own time, it's wonderful. I love to be petted and brushed and held. I'm very sweet and have alot to say. But after a few minutes of being petted I get back to work: a kitten beckons, and I'm off to assist. I'd really like a home of my own, and it would be really great if I could also have a kitten to take care of. Caring for others is my thing!

Mama Mia

I was found wandering the streets of Oakland with my litter of babies in tow.  A nice man rescued me, found homes for my babies, and gave me to his mom who lived in Mountain View to foster.  While at her house, I wandered out the front door and got hit by a car.  My right leg was shattered; I was in pretty bad shape.  The Fat Cat people came to the rescue, and got me to a vet who fixed my leg.  I walk and get around just fine now, though I have a slight limp.

Then my luck changed -- I was adopted by a wonderful old lady!  Jean understood that even though I had a limp, I was a great cat and deserved a home.   She knew what it was like to not be perfect, for she was confined to a motorized wheelchair.  She loved me and I loved her, and I shared her apartment with her for over a year.  And then she passed away.  I was heartbroken.

Fortunately Jean's daughter contacted the Fat Cat people, and they took me back.  So here I am, awaiting another loving home. 

P.S. I'm not keen on other cats -- they tend to pick on me.  Must be because I'm special.

Minnie

Although I say it myself, I'm pretty cute. I really enjoy being petted and will purr up a storm as a reward. I think of myself as companionable; I like to sit near you and watch what you are doing.

I was born along with my brothers and sisters under a deck in Palo Alto, CA. The people who live there didn't really want us hanging around, so we were fortunate to be taken into a nice foster home where we hang out with a bunch of other cats.

I'd really like a home of my own with someone who'll give me lots of attention. Some feline companionship wouldn't go amiss either as I do get along with other cats.

Paige

My mom was really smart.  She had been abandoned at a large apartment complex in Hayward, and knew she was going to have babies.  So she befriended a nice human, and the human brought her indoors, where she shortly gave birth to all 4 of us kittens.  The human couldn't keep us, and so the Fat Cat people came to rescue us.

I'm the sweetest and gentlest of the group.

Patience

George and I were rescued from the Stanford University campus with the rest of our littermates, so we consider ourselves Stanford alums.

I have to confess that I have a weakness: I like to hug. I mean both front paws around your neck type hugging! I know most of the other cats I live with think I'm a little too affectionate with my people. (They think a cat should stay aloof to make her people try harder to please her.) Right after hugging, my next favorite thing to do is talk to you. I'll be happy to converse on any topic you like. Oh, I forgot to mention that I also enjoy the dining experience. The rest of my littermates are larger than most other cats I've met, so I don't think I'm too large. Well, we'll just have to meet so you can see how great I look in person!

Patrick

My mom was really smart.  She had been abandoned at a large apartment complex in Hayward, and knew she was going to have babies.  So she befriended a nice human, and the human brought her indoors, where she shortly gave birth to all 4 of us kittens.  The human couldn't keep us, and so the Fat Cat people came to rescue us.

I'm the brave one of the group, and like to go exploring.  I'm best buddies with Pandora.

Pippi

My mom was really smart.  She had been abandoned at a large apartment complex in Hayward, and knew she was going to have babies.  So she befriended a nice human, and the human brought her indoors, where she shortly gave birth to all 4 of us kittens.  The human couldn't keep us, and so the Fat Cat people came to rescue us.

I'm still a little shy, and would do best in a quiet home. I like other cats too.

Precious

I'm really smart.  I was abandoned at a large apartment complex in Hayward.  I knew I was going to have babies, and needed a safe place to give birth.  So I became friends with a nice human, and the human brought me indoors, where I shortly gave birth to 4 beautiful kittens.  The human couldn't keep us, and so the Fat Cat people came to rescue us.

I'm very sweet and gentle and love people.  I'd love to be adopted with one of my babies.

Sarge

My brothers and me were rescued from a dumpster at a large apartment complex in Hayward.  We were very small and malnourished, but the Fat Cat people took care of us and we're all now strong and healthy and ready for homes  -- we're Fat Cats!

Ten-hut!  I'm the leader of the squad, and the explorer -- I'm always first to stick my nose into any available mischief.  But I'm also a lover boy.

Sassy

I was born to a feral mom in Fremont, CA and lived in the yard of a family who took care me and a whole lot of other cats. Unfortunately, the other cats kept picking on me. One even hit me with a hefty paw and hurt my left eye. I got pregnant and the kind family let me come into their house where it was safe for me to give birth. After a few weeks I was taken to a foster home. It's been great being able to stay there in the peace and quiet with my babies, but they are ready for a home of their own now and so am I.

I have a hair-trigger purr which kicks in the moment you walk into the room if I know you. If I've never met you before I might hiss a time or two until you start petting me and then off goes the purr machine again! I especially like to come and snuggle by your side to keep you company.

Scott

My sister Sunny and I were born in a parking lot at Sun Microsystems, so we were given names to match. Our mom, who is feral, was called Solaris. She and our wild brother Sparcy still live in the bushes where a nice lady looks after us every day. Sunny and I, on the other hand, really like being in a warm house with toys to play with, a cat tree to climb in, and a window from which to watch the birds and squirrels. We even get along with some other cat who are living with us.

Ideally, Sunny and I would like to have a home together where we can explore the house or sit in a lap whenever we want. If there's more than one lap available, so much the better! We'll keep you company and entertained anytime you want.

I had a bout of pancreatitis. Boy was that tough because I had to be fed through a tube until I felt like eating on my own again. To top that off I developed diabetes as a consequence, so now i need a little shot every day to keep the diabetes at bay. I've very good about it though and never make a fuss.

Scrappy

When they first fished me out of the juniper bushes I was really mad, and put up quite a fuss. But if ya really want to know, I was scared, and in alot of pain. See, me and my sisters were born outdoors and lived in those juniper bushes. Next to the bushes was a fence. The fence had a small hole in it, and one day I put my little leg through that hole and a dog in the next yard attacked me and took off my leg. A week passed, and the kind people who were feeding noticed me and called the Fat Cat people, who took me in, and helped me.

I get along just fine without my leg, and play with the other kittens. But sometimes they play a little too rough, and that's when I retreat to the sidelines and take it easy. My mom says I'm really an easy cat, and that I need lots of TLC, and would do well in a quiet home.

Needless to say, I don't like dogs.

Simon

We're stars! Maybe you didn't get a chance to see our pictures in the Los Altos Town Crier, but we made the FRONT PAGE! Look here! We're local celebrities! That's my brother, Sydney, being held by mom, and dad is holding me.

We were rescued from a nice lady's yard in Los Altos. Next door to the lady's house, a new house was being built, and we kept running and hiding in the house during construction, even hiding in the newly-installed kitchen cabinets. It was great fun! Anyway, the owners of the house under construction didn't share our enthusiasm, and decided we needed to get outta there, since it was very dangerous. The lady asked the Fat Cat people to rescue us and find us homes. Our momma was a Siamese, and that's where we got our big ears!

I'm very sweet and friendly and curious, and am very gentle. I really love my brother, Sydney, and hope we can go to a new home together. 

Smooch

My brothers and me were rescued from a dumpster at a large apartment complex in Hayward.  We were very small and malnourished, but the Fat Cat people took care of us and we're all now strong and healthy and ready for homes  -- we're Fat Cats!

I'm very sweet, and I'm the independent one.

Smudge

My brothers and me were rescued from a dumpster at a large apartment complex in Hayward.  We were very small and malnourished, but the Fat Cat people took care of us and we're all now strong and healthy and ready for homes  -- we're Fat Cats!

I'm the most affectionate, and the one who begs for TLC.  If I don't get your attention then I'll chew on your finger -- that usually works! My best buddy is Spike.

Snickers

I was born in a lovely rambling garden in Los Altos, CA where quite a lot of cats are living. The kind lady who lives there looks after us all. After I was given the opportunity to live indoors, I decided I liked that better than competing with the other cats in the garden. My brother, Socrates, could just not get it into his head that the people looking after us are kind and won't hurt us. So he chose to go back and live with the other cats in the garden. I like other cats just fine. I like being able to stay out of the heat and the rain and I especially like that I don't have to hunt for my meals!

I'd like a home of my own so I get someone's undivided attention. I'm not the jealous type, but we could all use a bit more TLC couldn't we? I'm a little cautious around new people at first, but it doesn't take long for me to come an give you one of my patented "cat scans!"

Snoopy

My brothers and me were rescued from a dumpster at a large apartment complex in Hayward.  We were very small and malnourished, but the Fat Cat people took care of us and we're all now strong and healthy and ready for homes  -- we're Fat Cats!

When I was first rescued, they didn't think I'd make it.  I was very, very tiny and sick, but I beat the odds.  I'm still smaller than my brothers, and sometimes can't quite keep up with them, but that doesn't stop me from playing with them.

Sunny

Hello, Lap-o-holics Anonymous? I think I have a problem. See, anytime there's a lap I have to be in it. I'll crawl over anything and anyone to get there and I don't care how big or mean they might be. And purring! I can't seem to stop. Didn't I see on TV that I'm supposed to see a doctor if my purr lasts more than four hours? Someone call 9-1-1!

Scott and I were born in the bushes in a parking lot at Sun Microsystems (below Scott McNealy's office). He and I love being indoors where it is warm and I get my daily lap fix. Scott likes laps now too, so we have a little friendly competition and rarely sit still when there's a lap available. I love Scott and would like to stay with him.

In case you didn't know, life is tough if you're a black cat: at shelters, we're the last to get adopted, and the first to be put to sleep. But my mom and dad, who've been rescuing cats for almost 20 years, believe black cats are especially beautiful and REALLY smart. In England, black cats are considered lucky and white cats unlucky; the opposite is true in the U.S. -- go figure!

Got a lap? Here I come!

Thor

I had a rough start: I was trapped at Moffett Field in Mountain View and had been badly beaten up by a big tom cat.  Fortunately, the folks at NASA have a cat rescue group (the Ames Cat Network), and they nabbed me and got me to a vet.  The Fat Cat Rescue people heard I was going to be put to sleep (more on that later), and took me in and gave me a chance. 

I was a mess: my eye had to be removed, and my nose was badly scraped up.  Worse yet, my foster mom thought I was feral and ferocious, and took precautions not to pet me or get too close to me.  But I'm actually a sweetheart, and worked really hard (like purring every time she came near my cage) to show her I was a nice cat.  And so I healed and became accustomed to life with people.  They're wonderful.

Then a miracle happened: Blanquita entered my life.  She'd come from the streets of East Palo Alto so she wasn't put off by my weathered appearance.  In fact, she took pity on me and took care of me and regularly washed my face, reaching the places I couldn't see. We fell in love and are now inseparable, and are looking for a home together.  And although I look tough, I'm a lover, not a fighter.  She too is very gentle.  I can't live without her.

I have tested positive for FIV.  FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.  Cats who test positive have either been vaccinated against the disease or have been exposed to the virus at some point so their bodies have developed antibodies against it. Some may be carriers of the virus and some may not be carriers. The FIV test looks for antibodies to the virus not the virus itself, so it is difficult to distinguish a cat who was vaccinated for FIV from a cat infected with the virus.

Most cats who test positive for FIV live long healthy lives and do not show any symptoms. FIV is an immune deficiency virus which means it can gradually affect the immune system of the cat. Many FIV +ve cats are slightly more susceptible to infections than other cats.  Indoor-only FIV +ve cats who are fed well and taken good care of usually live to be 15-20 years just like any other cat.  FIV +ve cats do not require any special drugs or treatment.

FIV is a feline-specific virus, it cannot infect humans or any other species.  It is also not highly contagious among cats.  It is not transmissible through casual contact such as sharing water bowls, grooming, playing or sneezing.  FIV is transmitted via blood -- usually from a deep bite wound.  Most cats that test positive for FIV are young males who have been in vicious fights over mates or territory, or the victim of a bigger nastier tom cat.  That's what happened to me!   I wouldn't hurt a flea!

So that's my story.  Blanquita and me, we're looking for a new start.

Winona

I was abandoned as a kitten at a large apartment complex in Hayward.  The people at Fat Cat Rescue offered to trap and fix the stray cats at the complex, and one day I was real hungry and walked right into one of their traps.  They got me fixed, and thought I was feral, and so had my ear notched.  But I wasn't feral (I kept trying to tell them I was friendly, but you know how dumb humans can be) and they eventually gave me a chance.  I couldn't believe my luck -- all the food I could eat, a clean, warm bed, and lots of love.  Now I'm ready for a home of my own.  I get along with everybody, but am especially close with Baby.

Wooly

I was born in an overgrown garden in Los Altos, CA. I don't know whether I had any brothers and sisters; at least none of them made my mistake of going after some dinner that was inside this wire box thing which closed behind me! Actually I really don't think of it as a mistake because I now live in a foster home along with some other rescued cats to talk to and play with. I have to admit it is a pretty comfy life.

I have several cute foibles: I like to eat on top of my cat tree and I like to perch on the edge of my litter box to use it. It's cleaner for me that way! I still like to hop up on my foster dad's back when he scoops our box, just to make sure he gets it really clean!

As you can see, I have the fastest eyes in the west when it comes to having my picture taken. However, if you ask really nicely, I'll show you some of my baby pictures which show that I can open my eyes!